The Dangers of the 'King Kong' Weight-Loss Jab
An alarming investigation has revealed the illegal sale of fake weight-loss injections, often referred to as the 'King Kong' of weight-loss drugs, on popular social media platforms. These injections, which are still in the clinical trial phase and not yet licensed for use, are being peddled as a quick fix for weight loss, but the consequences can be devastating.
Retatrutide, the drug in question, is being developed by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind Mounjaro. Early studies suggest it works twice as fast as existing weight-loss drugs, but its safety and effectiveness are still being rigorously tested. Despite this, unscrupulous sellers on Facebook and TikTok are capitalizing on the drug's potential, offering it to unsuspecting buyers.
A Channel 4 News investigation exposed the ease with which an undercover reporter could purchase and obtain a fake version of Retatrutide. The seller, when pressed, made false claims about the source of the injections, stating they were obtained from a pharmacy and were available on the NHS. The reporter was also given conflicting instructions on the frequency of use, highlighting the lack of regulation and oversight in this illegal trade.
The investigation uncovered two companies selling fake or illicit versions of weight-loss drugs. Eli Lilly has taken action against these companies, and The Independent has reached out to them for comment. This issue is not just about the potential for fraud but also the serious health risks involved.
Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, a former Big Brother housemate, shared her harrowing experience after taking a copy of a weight-loss drug purchased on TikTok. She described the absence of guidance and instructions with her package, which led to severe side effects. She lost vision in one eye and experienced extreme nausea, leaving her bedridden and terrified for her life. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of these illegal injections.
Dr. Nancy Allen, an NHS GP who prescribes licensed weight-loss medications, expressed serious concerns about patient safety when shown one of the illegal jab packages. She emphasized the importance of medical oversight and the potential risks associated with unregulated substances.
The popularity of weight-loss jabs, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, has skyrocketed in the past year as they are increasingly used to tackle obesity. Around 4% of UK households currently use these jabs, and their sales have reached 2.5 million in July, a significant increase from the previous year. While these drugs are set to be made widely available on the NHS under Wes Streeting's plans, they are currently rare on free prescription, leading many to seek private options.
Following the investigation, both TikTok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, took action by removing the content. Meta acknowledged the need for improved detection methods, while TikTok banned associated hashtags and search suggestions, reinforcing its community guidelines against the trading of regulated substances.
Eli Lilly released a statement emphasizing that Retatrutide is only legally available to participants in their clinical trials. They warned that anyone claiming to sell Retatrutide for human use is breaking the law and that no one should consider taking any substance claiming to be Retatrutide outside of their sponsored clinical trials.
The programme, 'Inside the black market for illegal weight-loss jabs', aired on Channel 4 News, shedding light on this dangerous practice. It serves as a crucial reminder of the potential risks associated with unregulated weight-loss solutions and the importance of seeking licensed medical advice and treatments.
So, what are your thoughts on this controversial issue? Do you think enough is being done to combat the illegal sale of these weight-loss injections? Share your opinions in the comments below!
